Job Description

Associate Category Manager

Corporate Office: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS – Hybrid Schedule Available

Department: Meat & Seafood

Reports to: Category Manager

Make us your BEST Choice!

The Associate Category Manager | Meat is a developmental role within the Category Management team. This role is responsible for profitable sales growth of assigned category(s). They will collaborate with others across the AWG organization as well as supplier partners to achieve shared objectives. The Associate Category Manager owns all item level decisions within their respective category(s) to include but not limited to proper product mix, costing, promotional plans, shelf placement, efficient and profitable procurement, and item derived income to achieve category initiatives. The Associate Category Manager must ensure that programs are on trend with the industry, focused on receiving the highest quality products and receiving the best cost of goods to drive profitable sales growth for AWG and our Members Retailers.

of Work

• Develop and implement category initiatives and strategies to maximize category assortments.
• Develop and maintain complete product and category knowledge.
• Develop sales growth programs that allow market flexibility within assigned categories.
• Develop the necessary skills to manage AWG Brands assortment including product development to drive category sales and achieve targeted profitability.
• Manage vendor programs, allowances, performance funds, incentive funds, marketing funds, direct plant ship options, and maintaining efficiency incentives to gain a competitive advantage in our markets.
• Create joint business plans and conduct quarterly business reviews.
• Responsible for managing and negotiating promotions.
• Communicate and interact with cross functional departments
• Responsible for overseeing input of file maintenance is done timely and accurately.
• Work with division teams to implement sales programs, communicating category and consumer trends.

Qualifications
Any combination of education, training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• College degree preferred.

• Minimum 3 years Consumer Products Goods or related industry experience.

• Working knowledge of sourcing, procurement, supply chain management, retail/wholesale/warehouse operations, category business planning, marketing, consumer research, and financial management.

• Minimal travel required: primary travel is to AWG members’ retail locations and distribution centers, vendor partner locations and trade-related events and shows.

• Advanced knowledge of business applications (eg. Microsoft Office and G Suites).

• Store oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale divisions. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2024 exceeded $12.0 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time
• 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Program
• Yearly Holiday Bonus